Children sometimes require special help as they grow and develop. We can provide expert help to children ranging in age from infancy to adolescence for physical, sensory, motor, speech, language, cognition and academic difficulties.

Our programs are family centered so parents and siblings can participate in therapies and learn how to best enhance their loved one’s strengths. We coordinate each child’s treatment program with his family, outside agencies and physician.

Families start by meeting with an experienced case manager to discuss concerns regarding their child. Evaluations and service options are reviewed at that time. Once a child begins treatment, progress is continually reviewed and re-evaluations are done every six months. We emphasize setting realistic, attainable treatment goals and work toward helping children in our programs access appropriate community resources.

Problems Treated

We can help infants who have difficulty with breastfeeding or eating, with movement, coordination and balance. We also have therapies for infants who have floppy or stiff muscle tone or who have difficulty sustaining controlled movement.

We provide a range of therapies for children who have difficulty with fine and gross motor coordination such as mastering age appropriate motor skills or handwriting. Children who are overly sensitive to movement, sound, or being touched, or who are easily overstimulated by their environment, benefit from therapies emphasizing sensory modulation and sensory integration.

We also work with children who are impulsive, distractible and who have difficulty maintaining their focus on one activity. We have a comprehensive evaluation and treatment program for children on the Autism spectrum. Other concerns which we address include academic and writing difficulties, trouble forming sentences or speaking clearly, and understanding and following directions.

Our Team

We have a multidisciplinary treatment team to coordinate your child’s care and insure that treatment goals are being met in a timely manner. You and your child may work with any or all of the following specialists:

Audiologist

Augmentative communication specialist

Behavioral specialist

Case manager

Feeding specialist

Occupational therapist

Physical therapist

Psychologist

Seating and mobility specialist

Speech language pathologist

Jordan Marshall’s Story

Jordan Marshall suffered a massive stroke in utero, which means she had a stroke before she was even born. The damage was so extensive that doctors didn't know whether she would ever walk, talk or see.

Now 8 years old, Jordan has made incredible progress. She participates fully in school and excels academically. Despite some physical challenges, Jordan rides a bike, runs, skis and climbs.

“I never actually thought I could do it. I didn’t think I could rock climb. I didn’t think I could climb a ladder all the way up to the top. But I actually did,” said Jordan.

Watch Jordan's video and learn about her progress through the help of BCH's rehabilitation services for children.

Occupational TherapyWe use play and purposeful activities to help a child develop fine and gross motor skills. A child’s ability to perform such tasks as writing, reading, playing with toys and interacting with other children is affected by his sensory processing abilities. Based on sensory integration therapy, we also use play to help develop the brain’s ability to interpret and organize information necessary for learning.

Physical TherapyOur physical therapists work with a child to attain and maintain her maximum potential. The therapist’s goal is to improve each child’s motor skills, balance, coordination, posture, strength, movement patterns and other functional abilities. Techniques include neurodevelopmental treatment and therapy in our warm water pool.

PsychologyA licensed child psychologist participates in evaluations, facilitates small groups, and offers parental support. Our psychologist is the lead of the Autism program.

Speech-Language TherapyOur goal is to insure a child’s successful interaction with family members, friends and others in the community. We work with a child to improve social interactions, develop vocabulary, listening skills, academic skills and his ability to express thoughts and emotions. Our therapists help develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills using play and movement, computers and assistive technology, oral exercises and family participation.

ABLE (Autism, Behavior and Learning Evaluation) Our team has been trained in a behavioral approach to treating children with autism spectrum disorders and related issues. Evaluation and treatment is individualized for each child and emphasizes structure and routine in setting goals. Our team will consult and coordinate programs with other agencies and individuals working with your child. Click for more information.

Augmentative Communication ProgramChildren with limited verbal language skills learn to use assistive technology to communicate better with family and friends. Therapy may be done individually or in a group setting. Click for more information.

Feeding ProgramMothers and their infants can get individual help and information for problems with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or other eating difficulties. We also use sensory modulation techniques to work with older children who demonstrate avoidance or defensiveness to food texture, color, smell or taste. Click for more information.

Handwriting ProgramChildren who need special help with letter formation for printing or cursive receive therapy individually or in small group settings. Specific programs are followed for learning letters and for improving fine motor skills in general. We assess pencil grasp and use grips, slant boards or other devices to assist with handwriting.

Seating and Mobility ClinicThe seating and mobility clinic determines the most appropriate manual or power wheelchair and positioning system to allow your child to be as mobile and functional as possible in home, school and community settings. Click for more information.